chapter one

Loretta has been married to Richard without a child. her husband doesn't blame her for their problem but that doesn't mean that he was not disturbed. they have gone for medical check-up but they are medically stable. Loretta works in a hospital as a lab technician. her husband is a marine engineer. they both have a well-paid job, they love and respect each other but lacks what makes a family complete. Loretta is a good woman always kind to people around her, even with all her which is she never boasted or neglected the people around her. still, people remains people, they still talk behind her back. on some occasions, she is insulted due to an inability to give birth. one day, she was sitting at the veranda, sipping her juice and enjoying the wonderful view of nature when she heard a child crying. she looked down and saw a little girl being beaten by her by a woman. she really felt pity for the little child because she was already pleading for mercy.

Mrs Roslyn, please she is sorry. Loretta pleaded.

Mrs Loretta please don't interfere. do you know what she did? Mrs Rosalie shouted.

but she is already pleading, I'm sure that whatever she did she must be regretting it by now. Loretta said.

says a woman who has never passed through the pains of labour. no mother will ever seat, fold her hands and watch her child enter into a fire. Mrs Roslyn replied.

Mrs. Roslyn, I was only advising, I don't know why you are over reacting. I might be childless but not cold-hearted. Loretta said almost in tears.

Are you advising me as an experienced experienced mother or doctor?. Roslyn asked.

I really don't need your advice, even if I need an advice, it's probably not yours, because you lack the Qualification.

Mrs.Roslyn, I beg your pardon, don't create a scene here. I didn't do anything wrong to deserve this insult, I only intervened like any other woman would do. Loretta said holding back her tears.

come here you naughty child. I have warned you to stop collecting anything from strangers, didn't I?, but your ears are as stubborn as you. Mrs Roslyn said as she dragged her daughter.

mummy, am really sorry, I won't do it again. The child pleaded.

Loretta ran inside her house, she was on the verge of crying, so she didn't pay attention to her movements and that made her to bump into the chair in the sitting room. she couldn't balance herself, so she fell down and broke the glass cup she was holding.

on hearing the sound, Richard brush to the sitting room only to see his wife on the floor, struggling to get up.

sweetie, are you alright? you have to be more careful next time, do you want to get yourself hurt? are you injured? do you feel pain anywhere?. Richard asked looking worried

I'm fine darling. Loretta said .

look!, your hand is bleeding!. Richard exclaimed.

is nothing, just a minor injury. Loretta said, hiding her face.

when did you become immune to pains?, you only act like this when you are emotionally disturbed or hurt. is something bothering you?. Richard asked keenly. Loretta couldn't herself any longer, so she burst out in tears.

Did you say immune to pain?, Richard am hurt, deeply hurt!!!, I feel every single pain, but right now, the pains in my heart are far more severe than any other pain. Loretta said, crying on Richard's shoulder.

sweetie, am here for you, problem shared is problem half solved. you know that you can always confide in me. Am your husband, I will always stand by your side. Richard assured.

Tell me darling, is it my fault that I couldn't conceive a baby? is it?. why should I be insulted? why should I be humiliated? why should I be discriminated and criticised?. Am I God?, what wrong have I done to deserve this curse, is nemesis catching up with me?. Loretta asked still in tears.

of course not dear, you are not cursed, nothing is wrong with you. Have I blamed you for anything? even if they criticize you, I haven't done that, so you shouldn't be bothered at what people say, their opinions doesn't count. Richard said wiping her tears.

your family has not forsaken you nor deserted you. we are all here for you. He added.

yes, they all show me love. Even my mother in law, she doesn't trouble me, but I know deep inside her and everybody else, they are not fully happy. It is every woman's dream for her marriage to be fruitful and blessed with children.

My parents wants a grand child, so do your parents too. Don't you see that when you travel due to the nature of your work and I also go to work and come back around evening, if yours or my mother comes to visit or stay for a couple of weeks or months, there is no one to keep her company, no one to pass time with. I'm a woman, I can see the longing look for a grandchild on their faces. you don't need to pacify me, it is the bitter truth, I have to accept it. Loretta said trying to comfort herself.

sweetheart, like I said earlier, I'm here for you, I really love you. whatever problem that comes our way, we will face it together, okay?. don't carry it alone. Richard said.

I am really lucky to be married to someone like you, what would I have done without you. you are a rare gem Richard, not all men treat their wife this way. Loretta said.